Well since I'm feeling quite industrious now here's chapter 3! Read, Review, and enjoy.

Synopsis: The IFC Ambassador speaks in front of the RoH Congress. Both sides' governments are discussing the future, while meanwhile the Freedom's Cry continues its journey to the rendezvous point with the rest of the fleet.

Hylia City, Center of Government for Republic of Hyrule

Senator Harkinian sat in the congressional chamber listening to the speech which was being given by the chief Ambassador of the IFC to Hyrule.

"Let there be no mistake, we of the International Federation of Colonies only want peace in this galaxy. We have no intention of invading your homes, but we must know why your country is massing its navy on our borders."

A senator from the Southeastern Continent stood up to speak and was acknowledged by the Ambassador.

"You say you have no hostile intent, yet your own ships are mobilizing also, and we have had multiple reports of several large scale ship movements along worlds, and colonies that are close to our territories."

"Alas, those movements you speak of are not by us. They are a group of renegades who wish nothing more than the death and destruction for both of our innocent peoples. We are merely mobilizing our own forces to deal with this threat to the peace so that it will not grow unchecked."

Next to Senator Harkinian, one of the other senators, a close friend of his leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Gives them quite the excuse to be close to our planets and colonies does it not?" Senator Harkinian merely nodded as the Ambassador plowed on through his speech. It slowly came to a halt and after the applause the Ambassador was escorted from the room so that the Congress could discuss freely.

In the hallways of the government building Ambassador Baldemar strode swiftly out of the congress chamber conversing with his aid in a hushed tone.

"Draft and sent a message to Ganondorf. Tell him that all preparations for Phase Two are complete. All of those fools in there believe the story I have just fed them. Then send another message to the Bastion and have them prepare for departure in a few days. When the reply comes to put the next phase into action deliver it to me immediately."

Inside the Congressional Chamber a debate was now ensuing.

"Their Ambassador's statement has confirmed what I have said from the beginning. There is no threat at all to our security, they merely wish for their own stability. Our own massing of forces is more provocative than theirs. For us to maintain this buildup is too costly and not necessary. I propose that we stand down our forces."

Senator Harkinian listened to his fellow senator speak and then rose to speak in response.

"I must respectfully disagree with my colleague. Their Ambassador seemed to be hiding something and why haven't our own intelligence sources informed us of a separation in the IFC."

The debate raged on for several hours and the chairman eventually adjourned it after having gone nowhere. Senator Harkinian strode outside where his chauffer awaited with the door open to his automobile. There were several other senators from the Fleet Committee which he was the head of there as well.

"Damn those doddery old fools. They're willing to believe anything that someone tells them." One of the other senators said.

"Yes, well one must respect the views of our peers." Harkinian replied. "Besides as of now there has been no resolution passed ordering the stand down of our forces so for the while things can continue."

"Yes, that's true. It would be best to send an important person out there so that we can keep morale up." A different senator offered up.

"Yes, that's a good plan, but I doubt the troops would be motivated by a visit from a bunch of old men."

"What about your daughter Harkinian?"

"Yes, that would be a good idea. It would be a valuable leadership experience for her. I will inform her tonight."

"Let us leave the realm of politics and talk about more pleasant things. The day of the Goddesses is upon us soon and it will be a day of great celebration."

Bridge of the Freedom's Cry

"Helm, how long until we reach IP 457?"

"About twenty hours ma'am at flank speed."

"Thank you ensign."

"Impa." The captain called out to her Executive Officer, who was also the chief weapons officer aboard the ship. The Sheikah woman strode towards the captain's chair and saluted smartly.

"Are all of the weapons systems functional?"

"Almost ma'am, missile battery 3 is still out for repairs, but we've got everything else working just fine."

"Good job XO."

Impa saluted once more to return to her duties. Ensign Ruto strode up to hand the captain the readiness report for the ship's small craft complement. Four of the six HF-29s were operational and the other two were down for maintenance. The three HC-10 dropships were at full optimal capacity as were the two EF-14 early warning aircraft. The captain nodded wordlessly and signed off on the report.

IFC Asteroid Colony 56C, capital of the Independent Federation of Colonies

The Admiral strode to his country's leader barely able to contain his excitement. The final message from the Ambassador had come in.

"My lord, Baldemar has signified that Phase Two is complete. We are now awaiting your discretion to commence the operation."

"Excellent Admiral. It shall be a glorious day indeed. How long after my issuing of the confirmation order do our "rebels" arrive at the Hylian naval base?"

"About nineteen hours sir, probably less."

"Good it shall be a sweet victory. Soon I will walk on the ashes of their civilization and claim this entire galaxy in my name. The order is given, Operation Rebel Strike begins now."

The Admiral bowed his head slightly and strode out, prepared to issue the mission go order.

Harkinian residence

The senator strode into his home tired from a long day's work.

"Daddy!" he heard a shout come from off to one side and he saw his daughter running towards him, arms outstretched. His daughter was twenty two years old and was already known to be one of the most beautiful women in Hyrule.

"Hello dear."

"You're coming home so late these days Father."

"Yes, yes I know. Its just with this new little situation happening they need me more. There's one other thing. The other senators want to send out someone to visit the troops out at the naval base at IP 457. I told them you would go. It would be a good opportunity for you to learn the ways of leadership."

"What? But father they're just commoners, hardly worth a notice. Besides how could you send me somewhere so far off without asking my permission first!?" She said a big of anger seeping into her voice. As well as being one of the most beautiful women she was also known for her fiery temper, stubbornness, and her slight arrogance.

"Zelda, class does not matter, besides you are destined one day to become a leader of our people. You must be a leader that your people can respect. They won't ever like you if you never try to talk and communicate with them. Please just do it for me." He said putting on his pleading face which he knew his daughter could not resist.

"All right." She relented.

"That's my girl."

Wardroom Freedom's Cry

Link sat at a table talking with Navi after finishing a recent patrol.

"Link, is there anyone in your life that you feel is special to you? You know someone you want to get married to and settle down with." She inquired

"Nav, sorry to break it to you but I don't think you're my type." He said jokingly.

"Ass, I wasn't talking about me. Besides guys that date me must meet a certain IQ minimum which I'm afraid to say, you fall well under." She replied with her own riposte.

"Hey, that hurts."

"Oh come one you're a fighter pilot. It's practically a proven fact that your ego is so big that no amount of criticism could ever affect you."

"Seriously though, I don't know. Haven't really met a girl I'm interested in yet. Good looking sure, but I want someone who has a personality."

They were interrupted when the alert sounded once more calling them to their aircraft.

"Here we go again, running back and forth without a real decent rest. Of all the bridge crews in the fleet, we get stuck with the one that's the most dedicated and energetic."

Link groused as he grabbed his gear and began sprinting to the door that led to the hangar.

"That's life in the armed forces." Navi said tucking her long light blue hair and throwing on her flight helmet before sprinting out after Link.

Hidden IFC Naval Facility near asteroid cluster Z12

Fighters and shuttles buzzed around the facility all intent on one purpose or another. At the far end of the shipyards, a large group of newly refitted capital ships left the space-ways and lit off their engines. A large number of the fighters which were also repainted, made for the hangar bays of the ships.

The newly repainted ships left their docks one by one, forming up for the journey to IP 457.

Authors note/messages:

Monkey of Doom: thanks for your review, I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I hope you'll like this chapter too.

I know I made Zelda sound like one of those really rich, conceited, and arrogant girls but it'll provide more clash later for when the Zelink starts. The action begins in the next chapter as I had to get some of the political background and stuff out of the way, but chapter four should be out either tomorrow or the day after that.